Westfield seeking artist for art piece honoring Underground Railroad history

Westfield, IN (September 2, 2025) — The City of Westfield is issuing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for professional artists to design a signature public art installation that honors Westfield’s historic ties to the Underground Railroad. This effort is being led in partnership with GANGGANG, a cultural development firm that centers beauty, equity, and culture in cities.

The selected artist or artist team will be invited to create a light-based, interactive public artwork as a central feature in downtown Westfield at the recently announced Jersey 32 mixed-use development. The goal of this project is to reflect the spirit, heritage, and voices of Westfield's past and present while establishing a meaningful destination for both residents and visitors.

"This project will highlight our city's Quaker history and role in the Underground Railroad while celebrating the welcoming and growing culture of Westfield today,” stated Mayor Scott Willis.

Westfield was part of the Underground Railroad's central route through Indiana, which wound through Madison, Columbus, and Indianapolis before reaching Westfield and continuing to South Bend. There were eight documented Underground Railroad Stations in Westfield, although historians believe there may have been more. 

Project Overview and Budget

The City is seeking qualifications from experienced artists or teams to design a large-scale installation that is immersive and visually engaging during both day and night. The all-inclusive budget for the project is $250,000. This amount must cover artist fees, materials, design, fabrication, transportation, installation, permits, taxes, insurance, soil analysis, engineering, lodging, travel, and community engagement.

Artwork Goals

The final artwork should:

• Be a dynamic, light-based installation with immersive or interactive elements
• Reflect Westfield’s Quaker roots and the city’s history with the Underground Railroad
• Acknowledge the legacy of welcoming and inclusion while celebrating the contemporary Westfield community

Artists will have access to historical research compiled by the City and GANGGANG and will be encouraged to engage with residents and stakeholders during the creative process.

Public Art with Purpose

This project is part of Westfield’s ongoing commitment to telling authentic stories of its people and place through art in public spaces. With a history rooted in trust, collaboration, and a deep sense of community, Westfield aims to support artworks that are welcoming, courageous, and beautiful.

“At a time when there is apprehension around preserving history and heritage, it is refreshing that a city is taking steps to boldly talk about their identity and the culture of the city. It’s uplifting, informative and provides context for Indiana’s important story,” said Alan Bacon, Chief Strategist and co-founder of GANGGANG. 

Statement of qualifications are due no later than 11:59 p.m. on Monday, September 22, 2025. Semi-finalists will be selected no later than Friday, September 26, 2025, and proposals will be due no later than Monday October 27, 2025. Artist selection will take place in early November 2025 with installation occurring tentatively in November 2027. 

Artists can review the Request for Qualifications at westfieldin.gov/rfp. The application link is located within the RFQ.

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About the City of Westfield: Westfield is the fastest-growing city in Indiana and the sixth-fastest-growing city in the country. Westfield is home to more than 50,000 residents in Hamilton County, situated north of Indianapolis. The city is known for its 400-acre Grand Park Sports Campus, connectivity to US-31 and State Road 32, and nationally recognized public schools.

ABOUT GANGGANG
GANGGANG is a cultural development firm and creative advocacy agency working to center beauty, culture and equity in cities by activating the creative economy. We believe that artists are the crux and heroes of society and thus require investment for the viability of places. Headquartered in Indianapolis, GANGGANG is a nonprofit organization working with more than 700 artists. For more information on the founding organization, visit www.ganggangculture.com or follow on social media @ganggangculture.